Rollerskating!!

Mia has spent the last 4 Saturdays in rollerskating lessons. Yes, rollerskating still a big there around here. There is a rollerskating rink in our neighborhood that is used for lots of school and birthday parties and the first time we went things didn't go so well. Mia decided she wanted to know how to skate so she could go and have fun, without falling all the time. So I signed her up, and she loved it. I was amazed at her progress in 4 weeks. She's definitely our super skater!! Her favorite part was doing the chicken dance and YMCA during free skate at the end of class. Some things never change - I remember loving the YMCA song while on rollerskates when I was her age. :)

 

 

Spring Break - Houston Rodeo

We kicked off our spring break of animals and rodeo fun with Lily's preschool class going on a field trip to a farm - and she was so excited because she got to ride on a pony. She named him Chocolate Chip, and keeps asking when she gets to ride him again. She really wanted nothing to do with any of the other animals and didn't want to feed any of them because she said it would get her dirty. That's my girly girl!!

This past week we spent some time at the Houston Rodeo. Jason and I went down Wednesday night for another great Gary Allan concert - and had a pre-concert dinner with his friend, Jamie, who plays guitar in the band. I just love that night because it is the one night a year I can get Jason to enjoy country music! And then Friday we took the girls down for a day of riding rides and seeing all the animals at the rodeo. The best part of the day was entering Mia in a mutton bustin' contest. (For those of you not versed in rodeo talk - that is sheep riding!!) It was hilarious. She was a good sport and hung on for dear life as that wild sheep came out of the bin. She didn't win the fastest time (and belt buckle prize) but it was something we will talk about for years. So funny!! Of course our Lily wanted nothing to do with the sheep - she just wanted to ride the rollercoasters and eat corn dogs. It was a fun family day, and we look forward to going again next year.


Lily on her pony, Chocolate Chip!

 

Mia preparing for her big sheep ride.

 

Go Mia!! We love mutton bustin'.

 

The girls at the rodeo.

 

Great State of Texas

Thanks to Mia we are all getting a grand education on Texas as she learns all about her home state at school. We had an open house the other night to see all the work they have been doing as the learn about the state flag, flower, bird, tree, etc. Here is a little trivia for all you non-Texans - Texas has its own state pledge. Ask Mia next time you see her, she knows it by heart. And the Texas flag is the only state flag that can fly parallel to the American flag. Its been a fascinating look into why everyone around here will tell you they are "Proud to be a Texan!!" I can't believe we will have been residents of Texas for 5 years this summer. We are still loving it here, and I am developing a little of my own pride for our great state.

 

 

Valentines Weekend in Seattle

I just returned from a sweet weekend away with my favorite Valentine!! Jason had a conference in Seattle, so I went along for some fun. While he was in meetings, I had plenty of time for relaxing and shopping!! Jason's brother and his wife are living in Seattle right now, so it was super fun to meet up with them and have a tour of the best things to see in the city. Of course it rained most of the time, but that didn't slow us down. We had lots to talk about because they are expecting their first baby this summer - so we filled them in on all the "joys" of new babies. :) I flew home last night, and Jason had to stay on a few more days. At least I got to be with my Valentine for some of the actual holiday. He surprised me with breakfast and an incredible heart-shaped chocolate donut (yummy) before my flight!! The time away was great (and romantic)- we loved Seattle, but I was ready to get back to TX and see my two little Valentines at home.

Jason - ready to shop at Pike Place Market (on his phone and with his hot chocolate - his two accessories of the weekend).

 

Me and my accessory of the weekend - my umbrella.

 

Me and my valentine at the troll statue.

 

Jessica, Justin and Jason. (I didn't get in the picture because my name starts with M). :)

 

We Love Snow Skiing

Well, the whole reason for our trip to UT was to take the girls skiing. Mia went once last year at Christmas, but this time we put both girls into ski school and were ready to create real little skiers! And it happened. Both girls totally LOVED skiing, and picked it up so quickly. By the end of the first day, Mia was going up the lift by herself, and skiing down right beside me. There were no tears, no complaints about cold hands or feet - nothing but smiles and laughs coming down the slopes each day. It was more fun that any of us had expected (with a 3 and 5 yr old, you never know what you are going to get). I even got back on my skis for the first time in 6 years - and remembered how much I loved to ski. This will defintely become an annual family trip for us!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Snow Vacation

We just returned from a WONDERFUL family trip to the snow in Utah. We spent most of our days skiing, but there was a little time for Mia and Lily to play with their cousin, Hayden!! And time for some hanging out in Park City. This trip was full of so many great memories. Here are a few from our non-ski days...and I will post the ski pictures soon!!

Hayden, Mia and Lily - ready for sledding.

 

The giant bear at Daniels Summit lodge.

 

Dad, Mia and Lily on Main St. in Park City.

 

The famous bear of Main St.

 

Happy 2010!!

How can it be 2010?? Crazy. Our New Years Eve was spent at our friend's house for a Souper New Years Eve party - lots of soup and yummy food to last the whole night. The kids thought it was so fun to stay up late eating cookies and playing until midnight. At midnight we broke out the disco ball and had a dance party. Our little Lily was a non-stop dancer until 1am! She has quickly gone from our shy, quiet baby to a crazy, wild party girl. We all had a fun night, but are needing the rest of the weekend to catch up on sleep. Happy 2010 to one and all!

The girls ready to "cheer" in the new year!